Fuji Heavy Industries of Japan began design of this pressurized wide-body twin engine business aircraft in 1971 as part of a diversification programme for their general aviation aircraft line. Three years later the company entered into an agreement with Rockwell International's General Aviation Division whereby the American company would share development, and would assume responsibility for marketing the aircraft in the US.

Six development and certification prototypes were planned, three in each country. The prototype Fuji FA-300 flew for the first time on November 13, 1975; the first Rockwell-assembled Model 700 made its first flight on February 25, 1976, and following US FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification in 1977, the aircraft replaced the heavier Commander 685 on the Rockwell production line.

With its capacious fuselage the Rockwell 700 offers an uncommonly roomy cabin for 6 to 7 passengers, with comfort rivalling that of larger aircraft. The pressurization system maintains sea level altitude conditions to 3810m and provides an 1830m cabin environment to 6100m. Customer deliveries began behind schedule late in 1978, but the well engineered airframe proved heavy and underpowered with the 340hp Lycoming piston engines, and, with a full load of passengers, range was severely compromised for all but short-haul journeys. The fuselage is constructed mainly from aluminium alloy and the tail unit has swept-back vertical surfaces and shallow dorsal fin. There is a built-in airstair in the left side of the fuselage. In Japan an uprated 450hp version known as the Fuji FA-300 Kai (Rockwell 710) made its first flight on December 22, 1976 and has since appeared with a number of modifications, including Whitcomb winglets. Rockwell have not taken up their option to produce this aircraft.

By early 1980 deliveries of Rockwell 700s had totalled only 29 aircraft, and the American company announced the termination of its joint development and marketing agreement. Rockwell have continued to support Model 700 operators and have continued to assemble from existing shipsets of Japanese components during 1980, but any future production will be concentrated in Japan.

I own N99RG. Bought it in 2006. Love the large cabin. Still very low total air time but getting tough to find parts. Windshield has been cloudy since purchased 10 years ago but time to replace. Anyone have a windshield for it? Email or cell 252-202-5500

Brent Miskuski, 30.08.2016

Email: centralaircharters@telus.net

Brent Miskuski, 30.08.2016

I have a complete 700 for sale for parts, 1/2 time engines props avionics windshield ect. Plus a stash of spares including manuals poh ect.Email me with any needs you may have.

Gentlemen, have been looking at pressurized twins for some time. Very well versed in piston twins but never any pressurized ones, just turbines and jets. Looking for one and came across the 700. Geared engines are a drawback so direct drive is preferable. Be flying from the Reno area West to Northern California and East to Denver, 4 to 6 people (little more than the FAA average) would be the norm. Am I looking at the wrong airplane? Thank you...

Scott Boyd, 12.09.2014

It would be a very nice plane, with turbine engines. The engines are a pain and gas is expensive and more and more rare.

Maurice, 11.09.2014

I'm interested in acquiring a Commander 700. Roger Battistoni, I would appreciate hearing the good and bad on the 700. Any pilot with experience on the aircraft can respond. What is the operating cost per hour in US dollars?Any problems with engines? Performance? Interior noise issues?Any other pertinent information would be appreciated.

Roy Arnold, 09.05.2014

I'm considering a 700 for my charter business for short leg [150nm or less] missions. Can I get some feedback on reliability and on sound levels in the passenger compartment; other factors I should consider?

Stan, 02.10.2013

I am supposed to start flying one this friday anyone know of any way to possibly get a poh for it?

Stan, 02.10.2013

I am supposed to start flying one this friday anyone know of any way to possibly get a poh for it?

Karen, 05.09.2013

Does anyone have or know where i can purchase windshields for commander 700?

Brent Miskuski, 03.08.2013

Looking for a left hand windshield for a 700. (glass / heated).I own serial # 70027 & 70005.